Porcelain Berry
Ampelopsis Brevipedunculata
Description
A deciduous, woody, perennial vine of the grape family with simple, heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with coarsely toothed edges and are shiny underneath with delicate hairs along the veins. The alternately-arranged leaves vary from slightly 3-5 lobed to deeply dissected, the latter being distinctively recognizable. The plant climbs by tendrils that grow opposite the leaves on the stem. Small, greenish-white flowers are borne in clusters. The most distinguishing feature are the colorful berries, which range in color from white to yellow, pastel shades of green, lilac to amethyst purple, and turquoise to sky blue. While in full foliage, all colors of the berry can be found simultaneously on the same plant. This exotic might be confused with several native species of Ampelopsis in North America.Habitat
Riparian zones and urban, disturbed areasDistribution
Not yet in the PNW; flagged as a threat in the Four County CWMAImpacts
Shades out smaller plants, out-competes native species, makes native species susceptible to ice and wind damage by over-burdening them with its weightDispersal Methods
Birds, small mammals, waterPrevention
Look for this plant in urban, disturbed areas (such as park margins and residential landscaped areas), stream banks, pond margins, thickets, and waste sites. Avoid using this plant as an ornamental; use native alternatives instead.Listings
Not listedFactsheets
Photos
Other Links
Species Profile from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Species Profile from Plants for a Future